House-Hasson forecasts strong 2014 for hardware stores and LBM

House-Hasson Hardware reported sales increases at its winter dealer market, which the distributor takes to indicate that 2014 will be a lucrative year for hardware stores and lumberyards in general.

President Don Hasson noted that sales were up 14% -- across the board -- at the January dealer market in Nashville. He added that accelerating home sales are giving dealers added confidence.

“When we offer discounts on merchandise at a market, if dealers’ confidence in their economic prospects are low, they may buy 30 days of inventory of those products," said Hasson. "If confidence is high, dealers buy 60 days or more. That’s what we saw at this market: confidence. Consumers are also a little happier and spending a bit more money. The general overview of the hardware and lumberyard business looks positive.”

According to House-Hasson, severe winter weather is also promoting increased customer activity at hardware stores.